Remus hadn't expected much from a Beauty and the Beast themed Halloween party.

Clearly, he was wrong.

They must've gone all out for it. Marlene's house was decorated like a ballroom. A table with golden tablecloth sat nearby with appetizers and drinks, like juices and sodas. A few alcoholics sat on the side. Small snacks sat on silver looking platters. There was a wide space in the middle of the cream colored floor for a ballroom. Candles and lanterns decorated the tables and shelves, and paintings and streamers with gold flowers hung on the walls, giving the room a French Renaissance look. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, reflecting the lights beautifully.

Remus found the entire thing intriguing. He'd never really gone to parties. He was always care he could have an asthma attack, or infect another person with some form of disease he might not even know he had. He didn't like risking any or that. But James and Sirius had goaded him to go, and Remus had decided he wouldn't be staying too long anyway. It was better to be safe than sorry, though. Maybe he should just go back to his dingy apartment.

Remus had lost track of his friends as soon as they got there. James was dressed as Gaston, arrogant and cocky, which made Remus laugh. He wore a big red button down shirt with a belt around the waist, brown pants, and black boots. Accompanying him was Peter, dressed as LeFou in his brown coat and dark olive green pants. Sirius was Maurice, Belle's father. It made Remus giggle to see Sirius dressed up looking like an old pilot who'd lost his marbles a while ago. With pilots' goggles on his head, large olive green shirt, brown vest, and blue shorts with brown boots to accompany all of this.

Remus himself was dressed as Prince Adam, or the Beast's human form. He wore a yellow button down shirt, navy blue pants, a blue and golden dress coat, and brown shoes. James and Sirius thought it funny that he, one of the gentlest people, should dress up as the Beast. Remus only gave in, and wore the princely outfit. He'd looked more like a gentleman that he must've realized.

A few of the girls he saw giggled upon seeing him, which made Remus flush red and move away in embarrassment. He'd said hi to Lily and Marlene, who were dressed as silly girls, in bright hues of yellow and green. They were the ones who'd mooned over Gaston (James, in this instance), but they were doing a horrible job, as the time they spend with James were laughing at his stupid antics. (Except maybe Marlene, she seemed to enjoy being around him and blushed a light pink. James clearly didn't notice.) Some other people came in as he was getting water, and he didn't get to see their costumes.

Remus waved a quick hello to Peter, who was taking an appetizer. Then left to find Sirius. Remus soon found him chatting with a girl. He waited to know if he was flirting with the girl (which he probably was). He listened.

"Anyway, how's your mother?"
"Sirius, we saw her just this afternoon."
"I know, but your family's my favorite. I'm going to worry whether you like it or not." he paused, "Can you tell me where she gets that Chinese food? It tastes great!"
"Yeah sure, it's on the corner. You walk a little, then turn right."
"Awesome, thanks." Sirius seemed to notice him watching them, "Hey Remus!"

Remus laughed as watched the girl turned around, seeming confused. Sirius was giggling.

"Your majesty, have you met my daughter?" he joked, referring to the girl, taking all of their costumes and characters quite literally. Sirius 'bowed'. Remus looked at the girl whom Sirius beckoned to.

Holy Mother of God...

She's beautiful.

Remus' eyes widened and his breath hitched. He'd known that Tonks was going to be Belle, but he'd never expected ...

She was dressed ever so beautifully, in a golden-yellow silk dress decorated with layers of fabric, rose pins, and sparkling swirls. The neckline of the dress left to her shoulders, lower than he'd expected. Her tan hands gripped the fabric tightly, as she must've realized he was looking at her. Remus wanted to stop staring, but he couldn't.

Her big chocolate eyes were twinkling in the light as twin roses bloomed in her cheeks from most likely embarrassment. Her wavy cocoa colored hair matching her eyes fell just above her shoulders delicately, and parts of it were perfectly twisted into a braided bun. The tips were free of color this evening, but it made her no less beautiful. Her pink pouty lips were curled into a gentle smile that lit the room. Tonks' tan heart shaped face hadn't too much makeup, making her (well, to Remus) look prettier than if had put a lot of makeup.

"You look beautiful." He found the words escaping his lips, and it was true, "Good sir, I dare say your daughter is one of the fairest in the land." he answered, playing along as he chuckled.
Tonks was smirking, "Thank you, your highness. I must say you look handsome as well, tonight." she laughed as she curtsied, sinking low to floor as she gripped the silk of her dress. Remus bowed in return, "Gah, help me up." Tonks muttered, pouting.

Remus laughed and he blushed a light pink as he helped pull her up to her feet again. Tonks was giggling too. Sirius was outright laughing. He hadn't realized how much fun acting was. He saw someone make their way over to their group. Remus saw a flash of red hair and a green dress. Lily.

"Hey guys." she smiled, then spotted Tonks, who must've arrived not so long ago, "Oh my God, you look beautiful!"
"Thanks. So do you." Tonks replied, a smile spreading across her face. She turned to Remus, "Your majesty, would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Remus' heart beat happily, but he didn't know why. He smiled, then it disappeared as he realized how horrible he was at dancing. But he didn't really want to turn down a dance with Tonks.

"I don't dance." he muttered as Tonks snorted. Then Sirius and Lily had elbowed him, "But I'd be honored." he answered as he held out an arm.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sirius and Lily high five.

Hey everyone! I'm back! How do you like the story so far? Is it good? Bad? Okay? Less than average? Also for any new readers, if you ship Tonks and Lupin, I'd very much appreciate it if you checked out one of my stories, which I'd had finished about a week or so prior. The title is "One Last Chance". You'll find it under my profile and stuff. (I assure you, that story is probably much better than this one.)

Question of the day:
What do you want for Christmas (if you celebrate it)?
Me, I've got absolutely no freaking clue. Just a new book or maybe an adorable stuffed animal, I suppose.

See you all next chapter!
Abby